FORMS REQUIRED BY THE SERVICE FOR ANY CHILD WITH ANAPHYLAXIS:
Medical Management Plan (or ASCIA Action Plan)
- This document must be signed by a medical professional
- This document is completed by the parent with information the parent believes the centre should know about their child’s medical condition
- This is a document completed by the centre that outlines the way the centre will communicate with families about medical conditions
*From our Anaphylaxis Management Policy*
The Education and Care Services National Regulations requires approved providers to ensure services have policies and procedures in place for medical conditions including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes sudden allergic reaction that is potentially life-threatening. It can occur when a person is exposed to an allergen (such as food or an insect sting). Reactions usually begin within minutes of exposure and can progress rapidly over a period of up to two hours or more. Anaphylaxis should always be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment. Most cases of anaphylaxis occur after a person is exposed to the allergen to which they are allergic, usually a food, insect sting, or medication. Any anaphylactic reaction always requires an emergency response.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly progressing allergic reaction that is potentially life-threatening.
The most common allergens in children are:
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Tree nuts (e.g., cashews)
- Cow’s milk
- Fish and shellfish
- Wheat
- Soy
- Sesame
- Certain insect stings (particularly bee stings)
Signs of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) include any 1 of the following:
- difficult/noisy breathing
- swelling of tongue
- swelling/tightness in throat
- difficulty talking/and or a hoarse voice
- wheeze or persistent cough
- persistent dizziness or collapse
- pale and floppy (young children)
- abdominal pain and/or vomiting (signs of a severe allergic reaction to insects)
The key to the prevention of anaphylaxis and response to anaphylaxis within the Out of School Hours Care Service is awareness and knowledge of those children who have been diagnosed as at risk, awareness of allergens, and the implementation of preventative measures to minimize the risk of exposure to those allergens. It is important to note, however, that despite implementing these measures, the possibility of exposure cannot be completely eliminated. Communication between the OSHC Service and families is vital in understanding the risks and helping children avoid exposure.
Adrenaline given through an adrenaline autoinjector (such as an EpiPen® or Anapen®) into the muscle of the outer mid-thigh is the most effective first aid treatment for anaphylaxis.
We will involve all educators, families, and children in regular discussions about medical conditions and general health and well-being throughout our curriculum. The OSHC Service will adhere to privacy and confidentiality procedures when dealing with individual health needs, including having families provide written permission to display the child’s action plan in prominent positions within the Service. It is imperative that all educators and volunteers at the OSHC Service follow a child’s medical management plan in the event of an incident related to a child’s specific healthcare need, allergy, or medical condition.
MANAGEMENT NOMINATED SUPERVISOR/ RESPONSIBLE PERSON WILL ENSURE:
- that as part of the enrolment process, all parents/guardians are asked whether their child has been diagnosed as being at risk of anaphylaxis or has severe allergies and clearly document this information on the child’s enrolment record
- if the answer is yes, the parents/guardians are required to provide a medical management plan and ASCIA Action Plan signed by a registered medical practitioner prior to their child’s commencement at the Service
- parents/guardians of an enrolled child who is diagnosed with anaphylaxis are provided with a copy of the Anaphylaxis Management Policy, Medical Conditions Policy, and Administration of Medication Policy
- that all staff members have completed ACECQA-approved first aid training at least every 3 years and this is recorded with each staff member’s certificate held on the Service’s premises
- at least one educator or nominated supervisor with a current accredited first aid certificate, emergency asthma management, and emergency anaphylaxis management certificate (as approved by ACECQA) is in attendance at all times education and care are provided by the Service
- that staff are provided with ASCIA anaphylaxis e-training (every two years) to provide consistent and evidence-based approaches to prevention, recognition, and emergency treatment of anaphylaxis including training in the administration of the adrenaline auto-injection device (not mandated, but recommended as best practice)
- all staff have undertaken training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at least every 12 months
- that all staff members are aware of
- any child at risk of anaphylaxis enrolled in the service
- the child’s individual medical management plan/action plan
- symptoms and recommended action for allergy and anaphylaxis and
- the location of their EpiPen® / Anapen ® device
- that updated information, resources, and support for managing allergies and anaphylaxis are regularly provided for families
- anaphylaxis risk management plans are developed prior to any excursion or incursion consistent with Regulation 101
- ensure that at least one general-use adrenaline injector is available at the Service in case of an emergency- Regulation 89. First Aid Kits